Autopilot 8.0 unlocks access to 6x as many radar objects

Tesla are rolling out their latest software upgrade to owners. We love when the phones we buy get better over time and having your car do the same is certainly the way of the future. In Autopilot 8.0 there’s some big changes when it comes to the hardware software architecture that combines to create the semi-autonomous system.

Below is a list of the official changes in the update, but perhaps the most interesting is the detailed explanation of Tesla change in approach to detection of objects. This is a response from Tesla after recent freak incidents, where drivers pushed the limits of the software and became overly trusting, thinking the car could deal with 100% of scenarios.

The big changes comes in the form of using radar as a primary source of detection for obstacles that need the system to intervene. Previously the first reference was a serious of images taken from the on-board camera and analysed by software. The shift to radar doesn’t come easily with plenty of false-positive issues to work through, but Tesla believe they’ve nailed it.

Autopilot Release Notes

TACC braking max ramp rate increased and latency reduced by a factor of five

Now controls for two cars ahead using radar echo, improving cut-out response and reaction time to otherwise-invisible heavy braking events

Will take highway exit if indicator on (8.0) or if nav system active (8.1). Available in the United States initially

Car offsets in lane when overtaking a slower vehicle driving close to its lane edge

Interface alerts are much more prominent, including flashing white border on instrument panel

Improved cut-in detection using blinker on vehicle ahead

Reduced likelihood of overtaking in right lane in Europe

Improved auto lane change availability

Car will not allow reengagement of Autosteer until parked if user ignores repeated warnings

Automatic braking will now amplify user braking in emergencies

In manual mode, alerts driver if about to leave the road and no torque on steering wheel has been detected since Autosteer was deactivated

With further data gathering, car will activate Autosteer to avoid collision when probability ~100%